Alkoxyamines containing a radically polymerizable group

ABSTRACT

The instant invention relates to novel alkoxyamine initiators/regulators containing an ethylenically unsaturated, radically polymerizable group. The compounds are useful for the preparation of complex polymeric architectures. Further aspects of the invention are a polymerizable composition and a polymerization process comprising the alkoxyamine initiators/regulators, a macroinitiator obtainable by said polymerization process and a process for polymerizing with the macroinitiator.

The instant invention relates to novel alkoxyamine initiators/regulators containing an ethylenically unsaturated, radically polymerizable group. The compounds are useful for the preparation of complex polymeric architectures. Further aspects of the invention are a polymerizable composition and a polymerization process comprising the alkoxyamine initiators/regulators, a macroinitiator obtainable by said polymerization process and a process for polymerizing with the macroinitiator.

Nitroxide mediated free radical polymerization (NMP) has been the object of intensive academic and industrial research during the last years. Hawker et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2003, 125, 3831-3838, for example, describe the use of nitroxide mediated free radical polymerization in designing nanoscopic features of graft polymers. JP2003 268027 describes a polymeric alkoxyamine initiator useful for the preparation of block or graft copolymers.

The control in NMP is due to the reversible capping of propagating radicals with nitroxides to form the so-called dormant species. The field has been reviewed recently by Hawker C J, Bosman A W, Harth E, Chem. Rev. 101: 3661(2001). The originally widely used, readily available, 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinoxyl (TEMPO) works reasonably well in styrene and its derivatives but is unsatisfactory for the controlled polymerization of other monomers such as acrylates. Superior results were obtained with recently developed cyclic nitroxides or related alkoxyamines derived from sterically highly hindered piperazinones, piperidines or 7-resp. 8-membered diazepanones as described by Marque S, Sobek J, Fischer H, Kramer A, Nesvadba P, Wunderlich W, Macromolecules 36:3440 (2003). Other classes are dioxathiazocanes or azopanones and azocanones. On the other hand, successful NMP of a broad range of monomers such as e.g. styrene, acrylates acryl amide, acrylonitrile, 1,3-dienes or maleic anhydride was achieved with open-chain, β-hydrido nitroxides such as N-t-butyl-1-diethylphosphono-2,2-dimethylpropylnitroxide, N-t-butyl-isopropylphenylmethyl-nitroxide and the related alkoxyamines, and to a lesser extent with di-t-butyl-nitroxide (DTBN).

Besides of preparing simple homopolymers, synthesis of more complex polymeric architectures is of high interest. Numerous examples have been described. For instance WO 01/02345 and WO 03/004471 disclose multifunctional alkoxyamines based on polyalkylpiperidines, polyalkylpiperazinones and polyalkylmorpholinones and their use for the preparation of complex polymeric architectures such as e.g. star polymers.

There is, however, still a need for new, easily available alkoxyamine initiators useful for the preparation of complex polymeric architectures starting from a wide range of monomers, such as for example styrenic, acrylic, methacrylic and diene-type monomers. The instant invention provides alkoxyamines bearing, for example, acrylate or methacrylate groups. The conventional radical polymerization or copolymerization of these groups allows the preparation of macroinitiators which can be used to make complex polymeric architectures, such as for example block(co)polymers, comb(co)polymers, star(co)polymers, dendritic(co)polymers or hyperbranched(co)polymers.

One aspect of the invention is a compound of formula (I), (II) or (III)

wherein Q is

wherein

R is independently H or C₁-C₄alkyl;

D is O or NR₃;

in formula (I) m and n independently are a number 0 or 1 wherein at least one of both is 1;

if in formula (I) m=0 and n=1

wherein

* denotes where the group is attached to the oxygen atom;

A is O or NR₃;

B₁ is C₁-C₂₅alkylene, which may be interrupted by O or NR₃ groups, C₅-C₇cycloalkylene which can contain O and or NR₃ groups in the ring, which both are unsubstituted or substituted by C₁-C₈alkoxy, halogen or a group —COO(C₁-C₁₈alkyl) or phenylene;

additionally —A—B₁— can be a direct bond; or

if A is —O— and D is NR₃, B₁ can be a direct bond; or

if A is NR₃ and D is O or NR₃, B₁ can be a direct bond;

E is a direct bond or a —C(O)— group;

R₁, R₂ and R₃ are independently H, C₁-C₁₈alkyl, which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁-C₈alkoxy, halogen or a group —COO(C₁-C₁₈alkyl), C₅-C₇cycloalkyl, which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁-C₈alkoxy, halogen or a group —COO(C₁-C₁₈alkyl), phenyl, which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁-C₈alkoxy, C₁-C₈alkyl, halogen or a group —COO(C₁-C₁₈alkyl);

the group

is

A is as defined above; and

if A is O, E₁ is —CH₂—

if A is NR₃, E₁ is —C(O)—, —CH₂— or a direct bond;

R₄, R₅, R₆ are independently C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₅-C₇cycloalkyl, C₇-C₉phenylalkyl or phenyl;

R₇, R₈ are independently H, C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₅-C₇cycloalkyl, C₇-C₉phenylalkyl or C₁-C₁₈acyl;

L is a direct bond, O or NR₇;

R₉, R₁₀ are independently H or C₁-C₁₈alkoxy,

if R₉ is H, R₁₀ is additionally OH, —O—(C₁-C₁₈)acyl, —NR₃—(C₁-C₁₈)acyl or N(R₃)₂;

or

R₉ and R₁₀ together with the C-atom to which they are bonded form a cyclic ketale group

wherein k is 0, 1 or 2 and R₁₅ is C₁-C₁₈alkyl, —CH₂—OH or —CH₂—O—(C₁-C₁₈)acyl; or

R₉ and R₁₀ together form the group ═O, or ═N—A—R₇;

R₁₁, R₁₂, R₁₃ and R₁₄ are independently of each other C₁-C₄alkyl;

if in formula (I) m=1 and n=1

X is as defined above;

the group

is

wherein

A and B₁ are as defined above;

if in formula (I) m=1 and n=0

wherein A is O, NR₃ or a direct bond and E, R₁ and R₂ are as defined above;

B₃ is H, C₁-C₂₅alkyl, which may be interrupted by O or NR₃ groups, C₅-C₇cycloalkyl, which can contain O and or NR₃ groups in the ring, which both are unsubstituted or substituted by C₁-C₈alkoxy, halogen or a group —COO(C₁-C₁₈alkyl) or C₁-C₁₈alkoxy or phenyl;

the group

is

wherein

A and B₁ are as defined above;

in formula (II)

wherein

* denotes where X is attached to the oxygen atom and A, B₁, E, R₁ and R₂ are as defined above;

the group

is

wherein A is as defined above;

L₁ is a divalent group derived from an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid having 2 to 18 carbon atoms from an aromatic dicarboxylic acid or from an aliphatic-aromatic dicarboxylic acid;

in formula (III)

X₁ is a group

wherein B₂ is a direct bond, C₁-C₂₅alkylene, which may be interrupted by O or NR₃ groups, C₅-C₇cycloalkylene which can contain O and or NR₃ groups in the ring, which both are unsubstituted or substituted by C₁-C₈alkoxy, halogen or a group —COO(C₁-C₁₈alkyl) or phenylene, wherein when B₂ is a direct bond one A is O and the other is NR₃;

A, B₁, R₁ and R₂ are as defined above and

the group

is

C₁-C₁₈alkyl is a branched or unbranched radical, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, 2-ethylbutyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, 1-methylpentyl, 1,3-dimethylbutyl, n-hexyl, 1-methylhexyl, n-heptyl, isoheptyl, 1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl, 1-methylheptyl, 3-methylheptyl, n-octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, 1,1,3-trimethylhexyl, 1,1,3,3-tetramethylpentyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, 1-methylundecyl, dodecyl, 1,1,3,3,5,5-hexamethylhexyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl or octadecyl.

C₁-C₂₅ alkylene is a branched or unbranched radical, such as methylene, ethylene, propylene, trimethylene, tetramethylene, pentamethylene, hexamethylene, heptamethylene, octamethylene, decamethylene, dodecamethylene, octadecamethylene or eicosamethylene. C₁-C₁₂alkylene and, in particular, C₁-C₈alkylene are preferred.

C₁-C₂₅alkylene, which may be interrupted by O or NR₃ groups is, for example, —CH₂—O—CH₂—, —CH₂—NH—CH₂—, —CH₂—N(CH₃)—CH₂—, —CH₂—O—CH₂CH₂—O—CH₂—, —CH₂—(O—CH₂CH₂—)₂O—CH₂—, —CH₂—(O—CH₂CH₂—)₃O—CH₂— or —CH₂—(O—CH₂CH₂—)₄O—CH₂—.

C₅-C₇cycloalkylene is a saturated hydrocarbon group having two free valencies and at least one ring unit and is typically cyclopentylene, cyclohexylene or cycloheptylene. Cyclohexylene is preferred.

C₅-C₇cycloalkylene which can contain O and/or NR₃ groups in the ring are for example following groups

Alkoxy of up to 8 carbon atoms is a branched or unbranched radical, such as methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy, isobutoxy, pentoxy, isopentoxy, hexoxy, heptoxy or octoxy.

Halogen is typically chloro, bromo or iodo. Chloro is preferred.

C₅-C₇cycloalkylis cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl or cycloheptyl.

C₇-C₉Phenylalkyl which may be unsubstituted or substituted at the phenyl moiety by 1 to 3 C₁-C₄-alkyl is typically benzyl, α-methylbenzyl, α,α-dimethylbenzyl, 2-phenylethyl, 2-methylbenzyl, 3-methylbenzyl, 4-methylbenzyl, 2,4-dimethylbenzyl, 2,6-dimethylbenzyl or 4-tert-butylbenzyl. Benzyl is preferred.

C₁-C₁₈acyl is for example benzoyl or C₁-C₁₈alkanoyl. Alkanoyl of up to 18 carbon atoms is a branched or unbranched radical, typically formyl, acetyl, propionyl, butanoyl, pentanoyl, hexanoyl, heptanoyl, octanoyl, nonanoyl, decanoyl, undecanoyl, dodecanoyl, tridecanoyl, tetradecanoyl, pentadecanoyl, hexadecanoyl, heptadecanoyl or octadecanoyl. Alkanoyl of 2 to 12, e.g. of 2 to 6, carbon atoms is preferred. Acetyl is particularly preferred.

A divalent group derived from an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid having 2 to 18 carbon atoms is for example derived from oxalic acid, malonic acid, dimethylmalonic acid, succinic acid, pimelic acid, adipic acid, trimethyladipic acid, sebacic acid, azelaic acid and dimeric acids (dimerisation products of unsaturated aliphatic carboxylic acids such as oleic acid), alkylated malonic and succinic acids such as octadecylsuccinic acid.

A divalent group derived from an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid having 2 to 18 carbon atoms is for example derived from terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, o-phthalic acid, and 1,3-, 1,4-, 2,6- or 2,7-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, 4,4′-diphenyidicarboxylic acid, 4,4′-diphenylsulfonedicarboxylic acid, 4,4′-benzophenonedicarboxylic acid, 1,1,3-trimethyl-5-carboxyl-3-(p-carboxylphenyl)indane, 4,4′-diphenyl ether dicarboxylic acid, bis-p-(carboxylphenyl)methane or bis-p-(carboxylphenyl)ethane.

For example in the compound of formula (I), (II) or (III)

Q is

wherein

R is independently H or C₁-C₄alkyl;

D is O or NR₃.

In a specific embodiment the compound is of formula (I), (II) or (III)

wherein Q is

wherein

R is independently H or C₁-C₄alkyl;

D is O or NR₃;

in formula (I) m and n independently are a number 0 or 1 wherein at least one of both is 1;

if in formula (I) m=0 and n=1

wherein

* denotes where the group is attached to the oxygen atom;

A is O or NR₃;

B₁ is C₁-C₂₅alkylene, which may be interrupted by O or NR₃ groups, C₅-C₇cycloalkylene which can contain O and or NR₃ groups in the ring, which both are unsubstituted or substituted by C₁-C₈alkoxy, halogen or a group —COO(C₁-C₁₈alkyl) or phenylene;

additionally —A—B₁— can be a direct bond; or

if A is —O— and D is NR₃, B₁ can be a direct bond; or

if A is NR₃ and D is O or NR₃, B₁ can be a direct bond;

E is a direct bond or a —C(O)— group;

R₁, R₂ and R₃ are independently H, C₁-C₁₈alkyl, which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁-C₈alkoxy, halogen or a group —COO(C₁-C₁₈alkyl), C₅-C₇cycloalkyl, which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁-C₈alkoxy, halogen or a group —COO(C₁-C₁₈alkyl), phenyl, which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁-C₈alkoxy, C₁-C₈alkyl, halogen or a group —COO(C₁-C₁₈alkyl);

the group

is

wherein

A is as defined above; and

if A is O, E₁ is —CH₂—

if A is NR₃, E₁ is —C(O)—, —CH₂— or a direct bond;

R₇ is H, C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₅-C₇cycloalkyl, C₇-C₉phenylalkyl or C₁-C₁₈acyl;

R₉, R₁₀ are independently H or C₁-C₁₈alkoxy,

if R₉ is H, R₁₀ is additionally OH, —O—(C₁-C₁₈)acyl, —NR₃—(C₁-C₁₈)acyl or N(R₃)₂;

or

R₉ and R₁₀ together with the C-atom to which they are bonded form a cyclic ketale group

wherein k is 0, 1 or 2 and R₁₅ is C₁-C₁₈alkyl, —CH₂—OH or —CH₂—O—(C₁-C₁₈)acyl; or

R₉ and R₁₀ together form the group ═O, or ═N—A—R₇;

R₁₁, R₁₂, R₁₃ and R₁₄ are independently of each other C₁-C₄alkyl;

if in formula (I) m=1 and n=1

X is as defined above;

the group

is

wherein

A and B₁ are as defined above;

if in formula (I) m=1 and n=0

wherein A is O, NR₃ or a direct bond and E, R₁ and R₂ are as defined above;

B₃ is H, C₁-C₂₅alkyl, which may be interrupted by O or NR₃ groups, C₅-C₇cycloalkyl, which can contain O and or NR₃ groups in the ring, which both are unsubstituted or substituted by C₁-C₈alkoxy, halogen or a group —COO(C₁-C₁₈alkyl) or C₁-C₁₈alkoxy or phenyl;

the group

is

wherein

A and B₁ are as defined above;

in formula (II)

wherein

* denotes where X is attached to the oxygen atom and A, B₁, E, R₁ and R₂ are as defined above;

the group

is

wherein A is as defined above;

L₁ is a divalent group derived from an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid having 2 to 18 carbon atoms from an aromatic dicarboxylic acid or from an aliphatic-aromatic dicarboxylic acid;

in formula (III)

X₁ is a group

wherein B₂ is a direct bond, C₁-C₂₅alkylene, which may be interrupted by O or NR₃ groups, C₅-C₇cycloalkylene which can contain O and or NR₃ groups in the ring, which both are unsubstituted or substituted by C₁-C₈alkoxy, halogen or a group —COO(C₁-C₁₈alkyl) or phenylene, wherein when B₂ is a direct bond one A is O and the other is NR₃;

A, B₁, R₁ and R₂ are as defined above and

the group

is

Preference is given to compounds of formula (Ia)

wherein

Q is

wherein R is independently H or C₁-C₄alkyl;

wherein

* denotes where X is attached to the oxygen atom;

A is O or NR₃;

B₁ is C₁-C₂₅alkylene, which may be interrupted by O or NR₃ groups, C₅-C₇cycloalkylene which can contain O and or NR₃ groups in the ring, which both are unsubstituted or substituted by C₁-C₈alkoxy, halogen or a group —COO(C₁-C₁₈alkyl) or phenylene;

additionally —A—B₁— can be a direct bond; or

if A is —O— and D is NR₃, B₁ can be a direct bond; or

if A is NR₃ and D is O or NR₃, B₁ can be a direct bond;

E is a direct bond;

R₁, R₂ are H or CH₃;

R₃ is H, C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₅-C₆cycloalkyl or phenyl;

the group

is

wherein

A is as defined above; and

if A is O, E₁ is —CH₂—

if A is NR₃, E₁ is —C(O)—, —CH₂— or a direct bond;

R₄, R₅, are methyl;

R₇, R₈ are independently H, C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₅-C₇cycloalkyl, benzyl or C₁-C₁₈acyl;

L is a direct bond, O or NR₇;

R₉, R₁₀ are independently H or C₁-C₁₈alkoxy,

if R₉ is H, R₁₀ is additionally OH, —O—(C₁-C₁₈)acyl, —NR₃—(C₁-C₁₈)acyl or N(R₃)₂;

or

R₉ and R₁₀ together with the C-atom to which they are bonded form a cyclic ketale group

wherein k is 0, 1 or 2 and R₁₅ is C₁-C₁₈alkyl, —CH₂—OH or —CH₂—O—(C₁-C₁₈)acyl; or

R₉ and R₁₀ together form the group ═O, or ═N—A—R₇

R₁₁, R₁₂, R₁₃ and R₁₄ are independently of each other C₁-C₄alkyl.

For instance in the compounds of formula (Ia)

Q is

wherein R is H or C₁-C₄alkyl;

wherein

* denotes where X is attached to the oxygen atom;

A is O or NR₃;

B₁ is C₁-C₂₅alkylene, which may be interrupted by O or NR₃ groups, C₅-C₇cycloalkylene which can contain O and or NR₃ groups in the ring, which both are unsubstituted or substituted by C₁-C₈alkoxy, halogen or a group —COO(C₁-C₁₈alkyl) or phenylene;

additionally —A—B₁— can be a direct bond; or

if A is —O— and D is NR₃, B₁ can be a direct bond; or

if A is NR₃ and D is O or NR₃, B₁ can be a direct bond;

E is a direct bond;

R₁, R₂ are H or CH₃;

R₃ is H, C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₅-C₆cycloalkyl or phenyl;

the group

is

wherein

A is as defined above; and

if A is O, E₁ is —CH₂—

if A is NR₃, E₁ is —C(O)—, —CH₂— or a direct bond;

R₇ is H, C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₅-C₇cycloalkyl, benzyl or C₁-C₁₈acyl;

R₉, R₁₀ are independently H or C₁-C₁₈alkoxy,

if R₉ is H, R₁₀ is additionally OH, —O—(C₁-C₁₈)acyl, —NR₃—(C₁-C₁₈)acyl or N(R₃)₂;

or

R₉ and R₁₀ together with the C-atom to which they are bonded form a cyclic ketale group

wherein k is 0, 1 or 2 and R₁₅ is C₁-C₁₈alkyl, —CH₂—OH or —CH₂—O—(C₁-C₁₈)acyl; or

R₉ and R₁₀ together form the group ═O, or ═N—O—R₇;

R₁₁, R₁₂, R₁₃ and R₁₄ are independently of each other C₁-C₄alkyl.

Special preference is given to compounds of formula (Ia)

wherein

Q is

X is

wherein

* denotes where X is attached to the oxygen atom;

A is O or NR₃;

B₁ is C₁-C₁₈alkylene, or phenylene;

R₁, R₂ are H or CH₃;

R₃ is H, C₁-C₄alkyl or phenyl;

the group

is

R₉, R₁₀ are independently H or C₁-C₁₈alkoxy, or

if R₉ is H, R₁₀ is additionally OH, —O—(C₁-C₁₈)acyl, —NR₃—(C₁-C₁₈)acyl or N(R₃)₂;

or

R₉ and R₁₀ together with the C-atom to which they are bonded form a cyclic ketale group

wherein k is 0, 1 or 2 and R₁₅ is C₁-C₁₈alkyl, —CH₂—OH or —CH₂—O—(C₁-C₁₈)acyl; or

R₉ and R₁₀ together form the group ═O, or ═N—O—R₇.

Particularly preferred are compounds of formula (Ia)

wherein

Q is

X is

wherein

* denotes where X is attached to the oxygen atom;

A is O or NR₃;

B₁ is C₁-C₄alkylene, or phenylene;

R₁, R₂ are H or CH₃;

R₃ is H, C₁-C₄alkyl or phenyl;

the group

is

Specific individual compounds are:

-   a) Acrylic acid     2-[2-(2,6-diethyl-4-hydroxy-2,3,6-trimethyl-piperidin-1-yloxy)-propionyloxy]-ethyl     ester -   b) Acrylic acid     2-[2-(2,6-diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-4-oxo-piperidin-1-yloxy)-propionyloxy]-ethyl     ester -   c) Acrylic acid     2-[2-(2,6-diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-4-oxo-piperidin-1-yloxy)-2-methyl-propionylamino]-ethyl     ester -   d) Acrylic acid     1-(1-{6-[2-(4-acryloyloxy-2,6-diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-piperidin-1-yloxy)-propionylamino]-hexylcarbamoyl}-ethoxy)-2,6-diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-piperidin-4-yl     ester -   e) 2-Methyl-acrylic acid     2-[2-(2,6-diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-4-oxo-piperidin-1-yloxy)-propionylamino]-ethyl     ester -   f) Acrylic acid     2-[2-(4-tert-butyl-2,2-diethyl-6,6-dimethyl-3-oxo-piperazin-1-yloxy)-propionylamino]-ethyl     ester -   g) Acrylic acid     2-(2-{N-tert-butyl-N-[1-(diethoxy-phosphoryl)-2,2-dimethyl-propyl]-aminooxy}-propionylamino)-ethyl     ester -   h) Acrylic acid     2-[2-(4-acryloyloxy-2,6-diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-piperidin-1-yloxy)-propionylamino]-ethyl     ester -   i) Terephthalic acid     bis-{1-[1-(2-acryloyloxy-ethylcarbamoyl)-ethoxy]-2,6-diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-piperidin-4-yl}ester -   j) 2-Methyl-acrylic acid     2-[2-(2,6-diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-4-oxo-piperidin-1-yloxy)-propionyloxy]-ethyl     ester -   k) 2-Methyl-acrylic acid     1-[1-(2-acryloyloxy-ethoxycarbonyl)-ethoxy]-2,6-diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-piperidin-4-yl     ester -   l) Acrylic acid     2-[2-(4-acryloyloxy-2,6-diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-piperidin-1-yloxy)-propionyloxy]-ethyl     ester -   m) Acrylic acid     2-{(2-acryloyloxy-ethyl)-[2-(2,6-diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-4-oxo-piperidin-1-yloxy)-propionyl]-amino}-ethyl     ester.

The compounds of the present invention have all an ethylenically unsaturated bond and in addition a —O—N< group. They can therefore be used as monomers in a conventional radical polymerization process, preferably together with further ethylenically unsaturated monomers and as initiators/regulators in controlled radical polymerization processes.

Both processes can be carried out independently of each other or in a consecutive manner.

When the compounds of the present invention are used in a controlled polymerization process, the resulting polymer or copolymer has typically a polydispersity index of 1.0 to 2.0, preferably from 1.1 to 1.7 and in particular from 1.1 to 1.5.

A further aspect of the invention is a polymerizable composition comprising

-   -   a) at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer;     -   b) a radical polymerization initiator; and     -   c) a compound of formula (I), (II) or (III) as described above.

The ethylenically unsaturated monomer of component a) can be chosen from a variety of monomers. Such as isoprene, 1,3-butadiene, α-C₅-C₁₈alkene, styrene, α-methyl styrene, p-methyl styrene p-tert-butyl-styrene or a compound of formula CH₂═C(R_(a))—(C═Z)—R_(b), wherein R_(a) is hydrogen or C₁-C₄alkyl, R_(b) is NH₂, O⁻(Me⁺), unsubstituted C₁-C₁₈alkoxy, C₂-C₁₀₀alkoxy interrupted by at least one N and/or O atom, or hydroxy-substituted C₁-C₁₈alkoxy, unsubstituted C₁-C₁₈alkylamino, di(C₁-C₁₈alkyl)amino, hydroxy-substituted C₁-C₁₈alkylamino or hydroxy-substituted di(C₁-C₁₈alkyl)amino, —O—CH₂—CH₂—N(CH₃)₂ or —O—CH₂—CH₂—N⁺H(CH₃)₂ An⁻;

An⁻ is a anion of a monovalent organic or inorganic acid;

Me is a monovalent metal atom or the ammonium ion.

Z is oxygen or sulfur.

Examples for R_(a) as C₂-C₁₀₀alkoxy interrupted by at least one O atom are of formula

wherein R_(c) is C₁-C₂₅alkyl, phenyl or phenyl substituted by C₁-C₁₈alkyl, R_(d) is hydrogen or methyl and v is a number from 1 to 50. These monomers are for example derived from non ionic surfactants by acrylation of the corresponding alkoxylated alcohols or phenols. The repeating units may be derived from ethylene oxide, propylene oxide or mixtures of both.

Further examples of suitable acrylate or methacrylate monomers are given below.

An⁻, wherein An⁻ and R_(a) have the meaning as defined above and R_(e) is methyl, benzyl or benzoylbenzyl. An⁻ is preferably Cl⁻, Br⁻ or ⁻O₃S—O—CH₃.

Further acrylate monomers are

Me⁺, Me⁺ is an alkali metal cation or the ammonium cation.

Examples for suitable monomers other than acrylates are

Preferably R_(a) is hydrogen or methyl, R_(b) is NH₂, gycidyl, unsubstituted or with hydroxy substituted C₁-C₄alkoxy, unsubstituted C₁-C₄alkylamino, di(C₁-C₄alkyl)amino, hydroxy-substituted C₁-C₄alkylamino or hydroxy-substituted di(C₁-C₄alkyl)amino; and

Z is oxygen.

For example the ethylenically unsaturated monomer is selected from the group consisting of ethylene, propylene, n-butylene, i-butylene, styrene, substituted styrene, conjugated dienes, acrolein, vinyl acetate, vinylpyrrolidone, vinylimidazole, maleic anhydride, (alkyl)acrylic acidanhydrides, (alkyl)acrylic acid salts, (alkyl)acrylic esters, (alkyl)acrylonitriles, (alkyl)acrylamides, vinyl halides or vinylidene halides.

For instance the ethylenically unsaturated monomer is styrene, substituted styrene, methylacrylate, ethylacrylate, butylacrylate, isobutylacrylate, tert. butylacrylate, hydroxyethylacrylate, hydroxypropylacrylate, dimethylaminoethylacrylate, methyl(meth)acrylate, ethyl(meth)acrylate, butyl(meth)acrylate, hydroxyethyl(meth)acrylate, hydroxypropyl(meth)acrylate, dimethylaminoethyl(meth)acrylate, acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, acrylamide, methacrylamide or dimethylaminopropyl-methacrylamide.

Very suitable monomers are for example styrene, C₁-C₈alkylesters of acrylic or methacrylic acid, such as n-butylacrylate or methacrylate, acrylonitrile or methacrylonitrile, in particular styrene, acrylonitrile and n-butylacrylate.

It is also possible to use mixtures of the afore mentioned monomers, in particular styrene/acrylonitrile, styrene/butylacrylate, styrene/methylmethacrylate and styrene/butylmethacrylate.

Preference is given to a polymerizable composition wherein the ethylenically unsaturated monomer is a compound of formula CH₂═C(R_(a))—(C═Z)—R_(b), wherein Z is O or S;

R_(a) is hydrogen or C₁-C₄alkyl;

R_(b) is NH₂, O⁻(Me⁺), glycidyl, unsubstituted C₁-C₁₈alkoxy, C₂-C₁₀₀alkoxy interrupted by at least one N and/or O atom, or hydroxy-substituted C₁-C₁₈alkoxy, unsubstituted C₁-C₁₈alkylamino, di(C₁-C₁₈alkyl)amino, hydroxy-substituted C₁-C₁₈alkylamino or hydroxy-substituted di(C₁-C₁₈alkyl)amino, —O—CH₂—CH₂—N(CH₃)₂ or —O—CH₂—CH₂—N⁺H(CH₃)₂ An⁻;

An⁻ is a anion of a monovalent organic or inorganic acid;

Me is a monovalent metal atom or the ammonium ion.

For example the radical polymerization initiator, component b) is a azo compound, a peroxide, a perester or a hydroperoxide.

Specific preferred radical initiators are 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile, 2,2′-azobis(2-methylbutyronitrile), 2,2′-azobis(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile), 2,2′-azobis(4-methoxy-2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile), 1,1′-azobis(1-cyclohexanecarbonitrile), 2,2′-azobis(isobutyramide) dihydrate, 2-phenylazo-2,4-dimethyl-4-methoxyvaleronitrile, dimethyl-2,2′-azobisisobutyrate, 2-(carbamoylazo)isobutyronitrile, 2,2′-azobis(2,4,4-trimethylpentane), 2,2′-azobis(2-methylpropane), 2,2′-azobis(N,N′-dimethyleneisobutyramidine), free base or hydrochloride, 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane), free base or hydrochloride, 2,2′-azobis{2-methyl-N-[1,1-bis(hydroxymethyl)ethyl]propionamide} or 2,2′-azobis{2-methyl-N-[1,1-bis(hydroxymethyl)-2-hydroxyethyl]propionamide; acetyl cyclohexane sulphonyl peroxide, diisopropyl peroxy dicarbonate, t-amyl perneodecanoate, t-butyl perneodecanoate, t-butyl perpivalate, t-amylperpivalate, bis(2,4-dichlorobenzoyl)peroxide, diisononanoyl peroxide, didecanoyl peroxide, dioctanoyl peroxide, dilauroyl peroxide, bis(2-methylbenzoyl) peroxide, disuccinic acid peroxide, diacetyl peroxide, dibenzoyl peroxide, t-butyl per 2-ethylhexanoate, bis-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-peroxide, t-butyl perisobutyrate, t-butyl permaleinate, 1,1-bis(t-butylperoxy)3,5,5-trimethylcyclohexane, 1,1-bis(t-butylperoxy)cyclohexane, t-butyl peroxy isopropyl carbonate, t-butyl perisononaoate, 2,5-dimethylhexane 2,5-dibenzoate, t-butyl peracetate, t-amyl perbenzoate, t-butyl perbenzoate, 2,2-bis(t-butylperoxy) butane, 2,2 bis(t-butylperoxy) propane, dicumyl peroxide, 2,5-dimethylhexane-2,5-di-t-butylperoxide, 3-t-butylperoxy 3-phenylphthalide, di-t-amyl peroxide, α,α′-bis(t-butylperoxy isopropyl) benzene, 3,5-bis(t-butylperoxy)3,5-dimethyl 1,2-dioxolane, di-t-butyl peroxide, 2,5-dimethylhexyne-2,5-di-t-butylperoxide, 3,3,6,6,9,9-hexamethyl 1,2,4,5-tetraoxa cyclononane, p-menthane hydroperoxide, pinane hydroperoxide, diisopropylbenzene mono-α-hydroperoxide, cumene hydroperoxide or t-butyl hydroperoxide.

A further aspect of the invention is a process for preparing an oligomer, a cooligomer, a polymer or a copolymer (block, random or graft) by free radical polymerization of at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer or oligomer, which comprises (co)polymerizing the monomer or monomers/oligomers in the presence of

-   -   a) a free radical initiator; and     -   b) a compound of formula (I), (II) or (III) as described above.

The polymerization is carried out by applying heat or electromagnetic radiation from microwaves to γ-radiation.

The polymerization is usually carried out under atmospheric pressure for example for 10 minutes to 16 hours, preferably from 1 hour to 8 hours.

Typically the polymerization is carried out by heating and takes place at a temperature between 0° C. and 160° C., for example between 20° C. and 160° C., for instance between 50° C. and 140° C.

The amount of component b) may vary in a wide range, for example from 1% to 100% by weight, based on the weight of the sum of all ethylenically unsaturated compounds. In many cases 10% to 70% are desirable.

The radical polymerization process as such is known and may be carried out in bulk, in the presence of an organic solvent or in the presence of water or in mixtures of organic solvents and water. Additional cosolvents or surfactants, such as glycols or ammonium salts of fatty acids, may be present. Other suitable cosolvents are described hereinafter.

If organic solvents are used, suitable solvents or mixtures of solvents are typically pure alkanes (hexane, heptane, octane, isooctane), aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, xylene), halogenated hydrocarbons (chlorobenzene), alkanols (methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether), esters (ethyl acetate, propyl, butyl or hexyl acetate) and ethers (diethyl ether, dibutyl ether, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether), anisol, tert-butyl-benzene or mixtures thereof.

When the above described polymerization has been carried out, a polymer or oligomer is obtained, which has attached several —O—N< groups at the polymer backbone. These groups can be used to carry out a controlled radical polymerization starting from the various initiating radicals at the polymer backbone and complex polymer architectures ca be obtained.

Consequently a further aspect of the invention is a polymeric or oligomeric macroinitiator obtainable by a process as described above.

Also an aspect of the invention is a process for preparing a comb, star, tapered or branched polymer or copolymer by controlled free radical polymerization (CFRP), which comprises polymerizing at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer in the presence of the polymeric macroinitiator obtainable in a process as described above.

Typically the polymerization process is carried out by heating and takes place at a temperature between 80° C. and 160° C.

A further aspect is the use of a polymeric macroinitiator obtainable in a process as described above as radical initiator for the polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers.

The definitions and preferences given for the compounds of formula (I), (II) and (III) apply also for the other aspects of the invention.

The polymers prepared by the present invention are useful for following applications:

adhesives, detergents, dispersants, emulsifiers, surfactants, defoamers, adhesion promoters, corrosion inhibitors, viscosity improvers, lubricants, rheology modifiers, thickeners, crosslinkers, paper treatment, water treatment, electronic materials, paints, coatings, photography, ink materials, imaging materials, superabsorbants, cosmetics, hair products, preservatives, biocide materials or modifiers for asphalt, leather, textiles, ceramics and wood.

Because the present polymerization is a “living” polymerization, it can be started and stopped practically at will. Furthermore, the polymer product retains the functional alkoxyamine group allowing a continuation of the polymerization in a living matter. Thus, in one embodiment of this invention, once the first monomer is consumed in the initial polymerizing step a second monomer can then be added to form a second block on the growing polymer chain in a second polymerization step. Therefore it is possible to carry out additional polymerizations with the same or different monomer(s) to prepare multi-block copolymers.

The following examples illustrate the invention

PREPARATION EXAMPLES A1-A13 Example A1 Acrylic acid 2-[2-(2,6-diethyl-4-hydroxy-2,3,6-trimethyl-piperidin-1-yloxy)-propionyloxy]-ethyl ester (Compound 1, Tab. 1) A) Acrylic acid 2-(2-bromo-propionyloxy)-ethyl ester

The synthesis of acrylic acid 2-(2-bromo-propionyloxy)-ethyl ester is conducted as reported in Macromolecules, 1197, 30, 5192-94.

B) Compound 1, Tab. 1

To a stirred solution of 99.6 g (0.46 mol) of 2,6-diethyl-1-hydroxy-2,3,6-trimethyl-piperidin-4-one (prepared as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,353,107 B1, example 2), 66.3 g (0.46 mol) of CuBr and 29.4 g (0.46 mol) Cupper in 1000 ml toluene 160 g (0.92 mol) of N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDTA) are added. The brown suspension is then cooled to 10° C. and 116 g (0.46 mol) of acrylic acid 2-(2-bromo-propionyloxy)-ethyl ester dissolved in 250 ml toluene are added dropwise while keeping the temperature below 15° C. The reaction mixture is stirred for another 12 h at room temperature and then filtered. The filtrate is washed with water (3×500 ml), then with a 10% solution of EDTA (3×500 ml), dried over NaSO₄ and evaporated. The residue is chromatographed over Silica gel with hexane-ether (7:3) to afford 165 g of the title compound as slightly yellow oil.

Elemental analysis calculated for C₂₀H₃₅NO₆: C, 62.31%; H, 9.15%; N, 3.63%. Found: C, 62.31%; H, 9.28%; N, 3.58%.

Example A2 Acrylic acid 2-[2-(2,6-diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-4-oxo-piperidin-1-yloxy)-propionyloxy]-ethyl ester (Compound 2, Tab. 1)

In analogy to Example 1B) are reacted: 42.46 g (0.20 mol) 2,6-diethyl-1-oxy-2,3,6-trimethyl-piperidin-4-one, 50.22 g (0.20 mol) acrylic acid 2-(2-bromo-propionyloxy)-ethyl ester, 28.7 g (0.20 mol) CuBr, 12.7 g (0.20) Cupper and 69.3 g (0.40 mol) PMDTA to afford 54.8 g of the title compound as a colorless oil.

Elemental analysis calculated for C₂₀H₃₃NO₆: C, 62.64%; H, 8.67%; N, 3.65%. Found: C, 62.32%; H, 8.79%; N, 3.66%.

Example A3 Acrylic acid 2-[2-(2,6-diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-4-oxo-piperidin-1-yloxy)-2-methyl-propionylamino]-ethyl ester (Compound 3, Tab. 1) B) 2-Bromo-N-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-2-methyl-propionamide

To a stirred solution of 12.2 g (0.2 mol) of ethanolamine in 50 ml tetrahydrofurane (THF) are at 0° C. added 23.0 g (0.1 mol) of α-isobutyrylbromide. The mixture is then stirred 12 h at room temperature and the THF is then evaporated. To the residue are added 20 ml of water and 7 g of NaCl. The mixture is extracted with 25 ml of each t-butyl-methyl ether and ethylacetate, the extracts are washed with brine, dried over MgSO₄ and evaporated to afford 19.9 g of the title compound as a colorless oil.

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃, δ ppm): 7.17 (bs, 1H), 3.76 (t, 2H), 3.46 (m, 2H), 2.79 (bs, 1H), 1.96 (s, 6H).

C) 2-(2,6-Diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-4-oxo-piperidin-1-yloxy)-N-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-2-methyl-propionamide

To a stirred solution of 13.85 g (0.066 mol) of 2-bromo-N-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-2-methyl-propionamide and 12.74 g (0.06 mol) of 2,6-diethyl-1-oxy-2,3,6-trimethyl-piperidin-4-one (prepared as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,353,107 B1, example 3) in ethylacetate (50 ml) are under argon added 11.8 g (0.12 mol) CuCl. To the stirred suspension are added dropwise 20.8 g (0.12 mol) of N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentamethyidiethylenetriamine (PMDTA) while keeping the temperature below 35° C. The mixture is stirred for another 4 h at room temperature and then filtered. The filtrate is washed with water (3×50 ml), then with 1% solution of EDTA, dried over MgSO₄ and evaporated. The residue is chromatographed over Silica gel with hexane-ethylacetate (1:1 to 1:3) to afford 17.5 g of the title compound as a colorless oil.

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃, δ ppm): 6.87-6.86 (bs, 1H), 3.73 (m, 2H), 3.47-3.41 (m, 2H), 2.85-0.80 (m, 29H).

D) Compound 3, Tab. 1

Acryloylchloride (1.67 g, 0.0185 mol) is added dropwise and below 40° C. to a solution of 6.22 g (0.018 mol) of the intermediate prepared under B) and 2.6 ml (0.01852 mol) triethylamine in 30 ml of toluene. Additional 1.2 ml of triethylamine and 0.6 ml of acryloylchloride are added after 2.5 h. The mixture is stirred for 1 h, then washed with 4×10 ml water, dried over MgSO₄ and evaporated. Chromatography of the residue over silica gel with hexane-ethyl acetate (2:1) afford 6.45 g of the title compound as a viscous colorless oil.

MS (APCI): calculated C₂₁H₃₆N₂O₅ (396.53). found M⁺=396.

Example A4 Acrylic acid 1-(1-{6-[2-(4-acryloyloxy-2,6-diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-piperidin-1-yloxy)-propionylamino]-hexylcarbamoyl}-ethoxy)-2,6-diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-piperidin-4-yl ester (Compound 4, Tab. 1)

Acryloylchloride (0.27 g, 3.0 mmol) is added dropwise and below 20° C. to a solution of 0.98 g (1.5 mmol) of 2-(2,6-Diethyl-4-hydroxy-2,3,6-trimethyl-piperidin-1-yloxy)-N-{6-[2-(2,6-diethyl-4-hydroxy-2,3,6-trimethyl-piperidin-1-yloxy)-propionylamino]-hexyl}-propionamide (prepared as described in WO 03/004471 A1, example A3) and 0.3 g (3.0 mmol) triethylamine in 30 ml ethyl acetate. The mixture is stirred for 12 h at room temperature, then washed with 3×10 ml water, dried over Na₂SO₄ and evaporated. Chromatography of the residue over silica gel with hexane-ethyl acetate (3:2) afford 0.33 g of the title compound as a viscous slightly yellow oil.

MS (APCI): calculated C₄₂H₇₄N₄O₈ (763.08). found M⁺=762.55.

Example 5 2-Methyl-acrylic acid 2-[2-(2,6-diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-4-oxo-piperidin-1-yloxy)-propionylamino]-ethyl ester (Compound 5, Tab. 1) A) 2-Chloro-N-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-propionamide

Ethanolamine (13.45 g, 0.22 mol) is added to 21.5 ml (0.2 mol) of 2-chloropropionic acid methylester. The mixture solidifies after standing at room temperature for 60 h. The solid is triturated with ethylacetate, the crystals are filtered off and dried to afford 27.75 g of the title compound as white crystals, mp. 64° C.

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃, δ ppm): 7.09 (bs, 1H), 4.44 (q, 1H), 3.76 (t, 2H), 3.48 (m, 2H), 2.79 (bs, 1H), 1.75 (d. 3H).

B) 2-(2,6-Diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-4-oxo-piperidin-1-yloxy)-N-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-propionamide

In analogy to Example 3B) were reacted: 30.35 g (0.143 mol) 2,6-diethyl-1-oxy-2,3,6-trimethyl-piperidin-4-one, 24.35 g (0.157 mol) 2-chloro-N-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-propionamide, 28.3 g (0.286 mol) CuCl and 49.55 g (0.286 mol) PMDTA to afford 44.8 g of the title compound as a colorless resin.

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃, δ ppm): 6.80 (bs, 1H), 4.40 (m, 1H), 3.76-0.90 (m, 30H).

C) Compound 5, Tab. 1

In analogy to Example 3C) are reacted: 15.76 g (0.024 mol) 2-(2,6-diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-4-oxo-piperidin-1-yloxy)-N-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-propionamide, 3.0 g (0.028 mol) methacryloyl-chloride and 4.2 ml triethylamine to afford 6.08 g of the title compound as a colorless resin.

MS (APCI): calculated C₂₁H₃₆N₂O₅ (396.53). found M⁺=396.

Example 6 Acrylic acid 2-[2-(4-tert-butyl-2,2-diethyl-6,6-dimethyl-3-oxo-piperazin-1-yloxy)-propionylamino]-ethyl ester (Compound 6, Tab. 1) A) 2-(4-tert-Butyl-2,2-diethyl-6,6-dimethyl-3-oxo-piperazin-1-yloxy)-N-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-propionamide

In analogy to Example 3B) are reacted 5.0 g (0.033 mol) 2-chloro-N-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-propionamide, 10.4 g (0.033 mol) PMDETA, 5.94 g (0.06 mol) CuCl and 7.66 g (0.03 mol) 1-tert-butyl-3,3-diethyl-4-oxy-5,5-dimethyl-piperazin-2-one (prepared as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,479,608 B1) to afford 9.18 g of the title compound as a colorless resin.

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃, δ ppm): 7.28 (bs, 1H), 4.30 (q, 1H), 3.77 (m, 2H), 3.47 (m, 2H), 3.08 (bs, 1H), 2.0-0.93 (m, 30H).

B) Compound 6, Tab. 1

In analogy to Example 3C) are reacted 7.68 g (0.0207 mol), 2-(4-tert-butyl-2,2-diethyl-6,6-dimethyl-3-oxo-piperazin-1-yloxy)-N-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-propionamide 2.1 g (0.023 mol) acryloylchloride and 3.4 ml (0.023 mol) triethylamine to afford 6.75 g of the title compound as a colorless resin.

MS (APCI): calculated C₂₂H₃₉N₃O₅ (425.57). found M⁺=425.

Example 7 Acrylic acid 2-(2-{N-tert-butyl-N-[1-(diethoxy-phosphoryl)-2,2-dimethyl-propyl]-aminooxy}-propionylamino)-ethyl ester (Compound 7, Tab. 1) A) (1-{tert-Butyl-[1-(2-hydroxy-ethylcarbamoyl)-ethoxy]-amino}-2,2-dimethyl-propyl)-phosphonic acid diethyl ester

In analogy to Example 3B) are reacted 9.7 g (0.056 mol) PMDTA, 5.54 g (0.056 mol) CuCl, 4.7 g (0.031 mol) 2-chloro-N-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-propionamide and 8.3 g (0.028 mol) [1-tert-butyl-amino-N-oxyl)-2,2-dimethyl-propyl]-phosphonic acid diethyl ester (prepared as described by P. Tordo et al.: Macromolecules 33. 1141 (2000)) to afford 9.9 g of the title compound as a colorless oil.

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃, δ ppm): 8.56 (bs, 1H), 4.70-3.20 (m, 11H), 2.10-1.0 (m, 27H).

C) Compound 7, Tab. 1

In analogy to Example 3C) are reacted 8.43 g (0.0205 mol) (1-{tert-butyl-[1-(2-hydroxy-ethylcarbamoyl)-ethoxy]-amino}-2,2-dimethyl-propyl)-phosphonic acid diethyl ester, 2.08 g (0.025 mol) acryloylchloride and 3.2 ml (0.025 mol) triethylamine to afford the title compound as two diastereomers: 4.79 g of a colorless oil and 3.5 g of a white solid, mp 95-98° C.

The MS (APCI) of each isomer: M⁺=464, for C₂₁H₄₁N₂O₇ calculated M=464.54.

Example 8 Acrylic acid 2-[2-(4-acryloyloxy-2,6-diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-piperidin-1-yloxy)-propionylamino]-ethyl ester (Compound 8, Tab. 1) A) 2-(2,6-Diethyl-4-hydroxy-2,3,6-trimethyl-piperidin-1-yloxy)-N-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-propionamide

In analogy to Example 3B) are reacted 11.1 g (0.064 mol) PMDTA, 6.33 g (0.064 mol) CuCl, 5.33 g (0.07 mol) 2-chloro-N-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-propionamide and 7.72 g (0.032 mol) 2,6-diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-piperidine-1-oxyl (prepared as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,353,107 B1, example 2) to afford 11.57 g of the title compound as a colorless oil.

B) Compound 8, Tab. 1

In analogy to Example 3C) are reacted 8.25 g (0.025 mol) 2-(2,6-diethyl-4-hydroxy-2,3,6-trimethyl-piperidin-1-yloxy)-N-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-propionamide, 7.8 ml (0.056 mol) triethylamine and 5.0 g (0.055 mol) acryloylchloride to afford 7.5 g of the title compound as a colorless resin.

MS (APCI): calculated C₂₃H₃₈N₂O₆ (438.57). found M⁺=438.

Example 9 Terephthalic acid bis-{1-[1-(2-acryloyloxy-ethylcarbamoyl)-ethoxy]-2,6-diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-piperidin-4-yl}ester (Compound 9, Tab. 1) a. A) Terephthalic acid bis-(2,6-diethyl-1-oxyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-piperidin-4-yl) ester

To a solution of 25.72 g (0.12 mol) 2,6-diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-piperidine-1-oxyl in 30 ml pyridine and 80 ml dichloromethane are added 12.2 g (0.06 mol) terephthaloylchloride and 0.3 g 4-dimetylaminopyridine. The mixture after 72 h stirring at room temperature is diluted with 100 ml dichloromethane and washed with water (3×50 ml). The organic phase is dried over MgSO₄, evaporated and chromatographed on silica gel with hexane-ethylacetate (4:1) to afford 31.85 g of the title compound as a red resin.

B) Terephthalic acid bis-{2,6-diethyl-1-[1-(2-hydroxy-ethylcarbamoyl)-ethoxy]-2,3,6-trimethyl-piperidin-4-yl}ester

In analogy to Example 3B) are reacted 10.4 g (0.06 mol) PMDTA, 5.94 g (0.06 mol) CuCl, 5.0 g (0.033 mol) 2-chloro-N-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-propionamide and 8.38 g (0.015 mol) terephthalic acid bis-(2,6-diethyl-1-oxyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-piperidin-4-yl) ester to afford 6.25 g of the title compound as a colorless resin.

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃, δ ppm): 8.1 (bs, 4ArH), 6.8-6.6 (m, 2H), 5.6-3.3 (m, 14H), 2.6-0.7 (m, 50H).

C) Compound 9, Tab. 1

In analogy to Example 3C) are reacted 6.0 g (0.0076 mol) terephthalic acid bis-{2,6-diethyl-1-[1-(2-hydroxy-ethylcarbamoyl)-ethoxy]-2,3,6-trimethyl-piperidin-4-yl}ester, 2.65 ml (0.0091 mol) triethylamin and 1.65 g (0.0091 mol) acryloylchloride to afford 4.5 g of the title compound as a colorless resin.

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃, δ ppm): 8.1 (bs, 4ArH), 6.8-3.3 (m, 20H), 2.4-0.7 (m, 50H).

Example 10 2-Methyl-acrylic acid 2-[2-(2,6-diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-4-oxo-piperidin-1-yloxy)-propionyloxy]-ethyl ester (Compound 10. Tab. 1)

In analogy to Example 1B) are reacted: 10.61 g (0.05 mol) 2,6-diethyl-1-oxy-2,3,6-trimethyl-piperidin-4-one, 13.25 g (0.05 mol) 2-methyl-acrylic acid 2-(2-bromo-propionyloxy)-ethyl ester, 9.89 g (0.1 mol) CuCl and 17.33 g (0.1 mol) PMDTA to afford 16.0 g of the title compound as a yellow oil.

MS (APCI): calculated C₂₁H₃₅NO₆ (397.52). found M⁺=397.

Example 11 2-Methyl-acrylic acid 1-[1-(2-acryloyloxy-ethoxycarbonyl)-ethoxy]-2,6-diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-piperidin-4-yl ester (Compound 11, Tab. 1)

In analogy to Example 4) are reacted 2.5 g (6.5 mmol) of compound 1 (from Example 1B), 0.73 g (7.2 mmol) triethylamine and 0.75 g (7.2 mmol) methacryloylchloride to afford 1.4 g of the title compound as a colorless oil.

MS (APCI): calculated C₂₄H₃₉NO₇ (453.58). found M⁺=453.

Example 12 Acrylic acid 2-[2-(4-acryloyloxy-2,6-diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-piperidin-1-yloxy)-propionyloxy]-ethyl ester (Compound 12, Tab. 1)

In analogy to Example 4) are reacted 2.5 g (6.5 mmol) of compound 1 (from Example 1B), 0.73 g (7.2 mmol) triethylamine and 0.65 g (7.2 mmol) acryloylchloride to afford 1.6 g of the title compound as a colorless oil.

MS (APCI): calculated C₂₃H₃₇NO₇ (439.55). found M⁺=439.

Example 13 Acrylic acid 2-{(2-acryloyloxy-ethyl)-[2-(2,6-diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-4-oxo-piperidin-1-yloxy)-propionyl]-amino}-ethyl ester (Compound 13, Tab. 1) A) 2-Chloro-N,N-bis-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-propionamide

Diethanolamine (10.51 g, 0.1 mol) is added to 12.25 (0.1 mol) of 2-chloropropionic acid methylester. The mixture is stirred for 24 h at room temperature. The formed methanol is evaporated to afford 18.8 g of the title compound as slightly yellow oil.

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃, δ ppm): 4.84 (q, 1H), 4.0-3.3 (m, 10H), 1.68 (d. 3H).

B) Acrylic acid 2-[(2-acryloyloxy-ethyl)-(2-chloro-propionyl)-amino]-ethyl ester

In analogy to Example 4) are reacted 17.0 g (0.087 mol) of 2-chloro-N,N-bis-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-propionamide, 19.4 g (0.19 mol) triethylamine and 17.32 g (0.19 mol) acryloylchloride to afford 8.2 g of the title compound as a yellow oil.

TABLE 1 Nr Structure 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13 

1. A compound of formula (I), (II) or (III)

wherein Q is

wherein R is independently H or C₁-C₄alkyl; D is O or NR₃; in formula (I) m and n independently are a number 0 or 1 wherein at least one of both is 1; if in formula (I) m=0 and n=1

wherein * denotes where the group is attached to the oxygen atom; A is O or NR₃; B₁ is C₁-C₂₅alkylene, which may be interrupted by O or NR₃ groups, C₅-C₇cycloalkylene which can contain O and or NR₃ groups in the ring, which both are unsubstituted or substituted by C₁-C₈alkoxy, halogen or a group —COO(C₁-C₁₈alkyl) or phenylene; additionally —A—B₁— can be a direct bond; or if A is —O— and D is NR₃, B₁ can be a direct bond; or if A is NR₃ and D is O or NR₃, B₁ can be a direct bond; E is a direct bond or a —C(O)— group; R₁, R₂ and R₃ are independently H, C₁-C₁₈alkyl, which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁-C₈alkoxy, halogen or a group —COO(C₁-C₁₈alkyl), C₅-C₇cycloalkyl, which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁-C₈alkoxy, halogen or a group —COO(C₁-C₁₈alkyl), phenyl, which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁-C₈alkoxy, C₁-C₈alkyl, halogen or a group —COO(C₁-C₁₈alkyl); the group

is

A is as defined above; and if A is O, E₁ is —CH₂— if A is NR₃, E₁ is —C(O)—, —CH₂— or a direct bond; R₄, R₅, R₆ are independently C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₅-C₇cycloalkyl, C₇-C₉phenylalkyl or phenyl; R₇, R₈ are independently H, C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₅-C₇cycloalkyl, C₇-C₉phenylalkyl or C₁-C₁₈acyl; L is a direct bond, O or NR₇; R₉, R₁₀ are independently H or C₁-C₁₈alkoxy, if R₉ is H, R₁₀ is additionally OH, —O—(C₁-C₁₈)acyl, —NR₃—(C₁-C₁₈)acyl or N(R₃)₂; or R₉ and R₁₀ together with the C-atom to which they are bonded form a cyclic ketale group

wherein k is 0, 1 or 2 and R₁₅ is C₁-C₁₈alkyl, —CH₂—OH or —CH₂—O—(C₁-C₁₈)acyl; or R₉ and R₁₀ together form the group ═O, or ═N—A—R₇; R₁₁, R₁₂, R₁₃ and R₁₄ are independently of each other C₁-C₄alkyl; if in formula (I) m=1 and n=1 X is as defined above; the group

is

wherein A and B₁ are as defined above; if in formula (I) m=1 and n=0

wherein A is O, NR₃ or a direct bond and E, R₁ and R₂ are as defined above; B₃ is H, C₁-C₂₅alkyl, which may be interrupted by O or NR₃ groups, C₅-C₇cycloalkyl, which can contain O and or NR₃ groups in the ring, which both are unsubstituted or substituted by C₁-C₈alkoxy, halogen or a group —COO(C₁-C₁₈alkyl) or C₁-C₁₈alkoxy or phenyl; the group

is

wherein A and B₁ are as defined above; in formula (II)

wherein * denotes where X is attached to the oxygen atom and A, B₁, E, R₁ and R₂ are as defined above; the group

is

wherein A is as defined above; L₁ is a divalent group derived from an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid having 2 to 18 carbon atoms from an aromatic dicarboxylic acid or from an aliphatic-aromatic dicarboxylic acid; in formula (III) X₁ is a group

wherein B₂ is a direct bond, C₁-C₂₅alkylene, which may be interrupted by O or NR₃ groups, C₅-C₇cycloalkylene which can contain O and or NR₃ groups in the ring, which both are unsubstituted or substituted by C₁-C₈alkoxy, halogen or a group —COO(C₁-C₁₈alkyl) or phenylene, wherein when B₂ is a direct bond one A is O and the other is NR₃; A, B₁, R₁ and R₂ are as defined above and the group

is


2. A compound according to claim 1 of formula (I), (II) or (III) wherein Q is

R is independently H or C₁-C₄alkyl; and D is O or NR₃.
 3. A compound according to claim 1 of formula (I), (II) or (III)

wherein Q is

wherein R is independently H or C₁-C₄alkyl; D is O or NR₃; in formula (I) m and n independently are a number 0 or 1 wherein at least one of both is 1; if in formula (I) m=0 and n=1

wherein * denotes where the group is attached to the oxygen atom; A is O or NR₃; B₁ is C₁-C₂₅alkylene, which may be interrupted by O or NR₃ groups, C₅-C₇cycloalkylene which can contain O and or NR₃ groups in the ring, which both are unsubstituted or substituted by C₁-C₈alkoxy, halogen or a group —COO(C₁-C₁₈alkyl) or phenylene; additionally —A—B₁— can be a direct bond; or if A is —O— and D is NR₃, B₁ can be a direct bond; or if A is NR₃ and D is O or NR₃, B₁ can be a direct bond; E is a direct bond or a —C(O)— group; R₁, R₂ and R₃ are independently H, C₁-C₁₈alkyl, which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁-C₈alkoxy, halogen or a group —COO(C₁-C₁₈alkyl), C₅-C₇cycloalkyl, which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁-C₈alkoxy, halogen or a group —COO(C₁-C₁₈alkyl), phenyl, which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁-C₈alkoxy, C₁-C₈alkyl, halogen or a group —COO(C₁-C₁₈alkyl); the group

is

wherein A is as defined above; and if A is O, E₁ is —CH₂— if A is NR₃, E₁ is —C(O)—, —CH₂— or a direct bond; R₇ is H, C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₅-C₇cycloalkyl, C₇-C₉phenylalkyl or C₁-C₁₈acyl; R₉, R₁₀ are independently H or C₁-C₁₈alkoxy, if R₉ is H, R₁₀ is additionally OH, —O—(C₁-C₁₈)acyl, —NR₃—(C₁-C₁₈)acyl or N(R₃)₂; or R₉ and R₁₀ together with the C-atom to which they are bonded form a cyclic ketale group

wherein k is 0, 1 or 2 and R₁₅ is C₁-C₁₈alkyl, —CH₂—OH or —CH₂—O—(C₁-C₁₈)acyl; or R₉ and R₁₀ together form the group ═O, or ═N—A—R₇; if in formula (I) m=1 and n=1 X is as defined above; the group

is

wherein A and B₁ are as defined above; if in formula (I) m=1 and n=0

wherein A is O, NR₃ or a direct bond and E, R₁ and R₂ are as defined above; B₃ is H, C₁-C₂₅alkyl, which may be interrupted by O or NR₃ groups, C₅-C₇cycloalkyl, which can contain O and or NR₃ groups in the ring, which both are unsubstituted or substituted by C₁-C₈alkoxy, halogen or a group —COO(C₁-C₁₈alkyl) or C₁-C₁₈alkoxy or phenyl; the group

is

wherein A and B₁ are as defined above; in formula (II)

wherein * denotes where X is attached to the oxygen atom and A, B₁, E, R₁ and R₂ are as defined above; the group

is

wherein A is as defined above; L₁ is a divalent group derived from an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid having 2 to 18 carbon atoms from an aromatic dicarboxylic acid or from an aliphatic-aromatic dicarboxylic acid; in formula (III) X₁ is a group

wherein B₂ is a direct bond, C₁-C₂₅alkylene, which may be interrupted by O or NR₃ groups, C₅-C₇cycloalkylene which can contain O and or NR₃ groups in the ring, which both are unsubstituted or substituted by C₁-C₈alkoxy, halogen or a group —COO(C₁-C₁₈alkyl) or phenylene, wherein when B₂ is a direct bond one A is O and the other is NR₃; A, B₁, R₁ and R₂ are as defined above and the group

is


4. A compound according to claim 1 of formula (Ia)

wherein Q is

wherein R is independently H or C₁-C₄alkyl;

wherein * denotes where X is attached to the oxygen atom; A is O or NR₃; B₁ is C₁-C₂₅alkylene, which may be interrupted by O or NR₃ groups, C₅-C₇cycloalkylene which can contain O and or NR₃ groups in the ring, which both are unsubstituted or substituted by C₁-C₈alkoxy, halogen or a group —COO(C₁-C₁₈alkyl) or phenylene; additionally —A—B₁— can be a direct bond; or if A is —O— and D is NR₃, B₁ can be a direct bond; or if A is NR₃ and D is O or NR₃, B₁ can be a direct bond; E is a direct bond; R₁, R₂ are H or CH₃; R₃ is H, C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₅-C₆cycloalkyl or phenyl; the group

is

wherein A is as defined above; and if A is O, E₁ is —CH₂— if A is NR₃, E₁ is —C(O)—, —CH₂— or a direct bond; R₄, R₅, are methyl; R₇, R₈ are independently H, C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₅-C₇cycloalkyl, benzyl or C₁-C₁₈acyl; L is a direct bond, O or NR₇; R₉, R₁₀ are independently H or C₁-C₁₈alkoxy, if R₉ is H, R₁₀ is additionally OH, —O—(C₁-C₁₈)acyl, —NR₃—(C₁-C₁₈)acyl or N(R₃)₂; or R₉ and R₁₀ together with the C-atom to which they are bonded form a cyclic ketale group

wherein k is 0, 1 or 2 and R₁₅ is C₁-C₁₈alkyl, —CH₂—OH or —CH₂—O—(C₁-C₁₈)acyl; or R₉ and R₁₀ together form the group ═O, or ═N—A—R₇; R₁₁, R₁₂, R₁₃ and R₁₄ are independently of each other C₁-C₄alkyl.
 5. A compound according to claim 4 of formula (Ia)

wherein Q is

wherein R is H or C₁-C₄alkyl;

wherein * denotes where X is attached to the oxygen atom; A is O or NR₃; B₁ is C₁-C₂₅alkylene, which may be interrupted by O or NR₃ groups, C₅-C₇cycloalkylene which can contain O and or NR₃ groups in the ring, which both are unsubstituted or substituted by C₁-C₈alkoxy, halogen or a group —COO(C₁-C₁₈alkyl) or phenylene; additionally —A—B₁— can be a direct bond; or if A is —O— and D is NR₃, B₁ can be a direct bond; or if A is NR₃ and D is O or NR₃, B₁ can be a direct bond; E is a direct bond; R₁, R₂ are H or CH₃; R₃ is H, C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₅-C₆cycloalkyl or phenyl; the group

is

wherein A is as defined above; and if A is O, E₁ is —CH₂— if A is NR₃, E₁ is —C(O)—, —CH₂— or a direct bond; R₇ is H, C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₅-C₇cycloalkyl, benzyl or C₁-C₁₈acyl; R₉, R₁₀ are independently H or C₁-C₁₈alkoxy, if R₉ is H, R₁₀ is additionally OH, —O—(C₁-C₁₈)acyl, —NR₃—(C₁-C₁₈)acyl or N(R₃)₂; or R₉ and R₁₀ together with the C-atom to which they are bonded form a cyclic ketale group

wherein k is 0, 1 or 2 and R₁₅ is C₁-C₁₈alkyl, —CH₂—OH or —CH₂—O—(C₁-C₁₈)acyl; or R₉ and R₁₀ together form the group ═O, or ═N—O—R₇; R₁₁, R₁₂, R₁₃ and R₁₄ are independently of each other C₁-C₄alkyl.
 6. A compound according to claim 5 of formula (Ia)

wherein Q is

X is

wherein * denotes where X is attached to the oxygen atom; A is O or NR₃; B₁ is C₁-C₁₈alkylene, or phenylene; R₁, R₂ are H or CH₃; R₃ is H, C₁-C₄alkyl or phenyl; the group

is

R₉, R₁₀ are independently H or C₁-C₁₈alkoxy, or if R₉ is H, R₁₀ is additionally OH, —O—(C₁-C₁₈)acyl, —NR₃—(C₁-C₁₈)acyl or N(R₃)₂; or R₉ and R₁₀ together with the C-atom to which they are bonded form a cyclic ketale group

wherein k is 0, 1 or 2 and R₁₅ is C₁-C₁₈alkyl, —CH₂—OH or —CH₂—O—(C₁-C₁₈)acyl; or R₉ and R₁₀ together form the group ═O, or ═N—O—R₇; R₁₁, R₁₂, R₁₃ and R₁₄ are independently of each other C₁-C₄alkyl.
 7. A compound according to claim 6 of formula (Ia)

wherein Q is

X is

wherein * denotes where X is attached to the oxygen atom; A is O or NR₃; B₁ is C₁-C₄alkylene, or phenylene; R₁, R₂ are H or CH₃; R₃ is H, C₁-C₄alkyl or phenyl; the group

is


8. A compound according to claim 1, which is a) Acrylic acid 2-[2-(2,6-diethyl-4-hydroxy-2,3,6-trimethyl-piperidin-1-yloxy)-propionyloxy]-ethyl ester b) Acrylic acid 2-[2-(2,6-diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-4-oxo-piperidin-1-yloxy)-propionyloxy]-ethyl ester c) Acrylic acid 2-[2-(2,6-diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-4-oxo-piperidin-1-yloxy)-2-methyl-propionylamino]ethyl ester d) Acrylic acid 1-(1-{6-[2-(4-acryloyloxy-2,6-diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-piperidin-1-yloxy)-propionylamino]-hexylcarbamoyl}-ethoxy)-2,6-diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-piperidin-4-yl ester e) 2-Methyl-acrylic acid 2-[2-(2,6-diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-4-oxo-piperidin-1-yloxy)-propionylamino]-ethyl ester f) Acrylic acid 2-[2-(4-tert-butyl-2,2-diethyl-6,6-dimethyl-3-oxo-piperazin-1-yloxy)-propionylamino]-ethyl ester g) Acrylic acid 2-(2-{N-tert-butyl-N-[1-(diethoxy-phosphoryl)-2,2-dimethyl-propyl]-aminooxy}propionylamino)-ethyl ester h) Acrylic acid 2-[2-(4-acryloyloxy-2,6-diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-piperidin-1-yloxy)-propionylamino]-ethyl ester i) Terephthalic acid bis-{1-[1-(2-acryloyloxy-ethylcarbamoyl)-ethoxy]-2,6-diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-piperidin-4-yl}ester j) 2-Methyl-acrylic acid 2-[2-(2,6-diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-4-oxo-piperidin-1-yloxy)-propionyloxy]-ethyl ester k) 2-Methyl-acrylic acid 1-[1-(2-acryloyloxy-ethoxycarbonyl)-ethoxy]-2,6-diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-piperidin-4-yl ester l) Acrylic acid 2-[2-(4-acryloyloxy-2,6-diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-piperidin-1-yloxy)-propionyloxy]-ethyl ester m) Acrylic acid 2-{(2-acryloyloxy-ethyl)-[2-(2,6-diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-4-oxo-piperdin-1-yloxy)-propionyl]-amino}-ethyl ester.
 9. A polymerizable composition comprising a) at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer; b) a radical polymerization initiator; and c) a compound of formula (I), (II) or (III) according to claim
 1. 10. A polymerizable composition according to claim 9 wherein the ethylenically unsaturated monomer is selected from the group consisting of ethylene, propylene, n-butylene, i-butylene, styrene, substituted styrene, conjugated dienes, acrolein, vinyl acetate, vinylpyrrolidone, vinylimidazole, maleic anhydride, (alkyl)acrylic acidanhydrides, (alkyl)acrylic acid salts, (alkyl)acrylic esters, (alkyl)acrylonitriles, (alkyl)acrylamides, vinyl halides or vinylidene halides.
 11. A polymerizable composition according to claim 10 wherein the ethylenically unsaturated monomer is a compound of formula CH₂═C(R_(a))—(C═Z)—R_(b), wherein Z is O or S; R_(a) is hydrogen or C₁-C₄alkyl; R_(b) is NH₂, O⁻(Me⁺), glycidyl, unsubstituted C₁-C₁₈alkoxy, C₂-C₁₀₀alkoxy interrupted by at least one N and/or O atom, or hydroxy-substituted C₁-C₁₈alkoxy, unsubstituted C₁-C₁₈alkylamino, di(C₁-C₁₈alkyl)amino, hydroxy-substituted C₁-C₁₈alkylamino or hydroxy-substituted di(C₁-C₁₈alkyl)amino, —O—CH₂—CH₂—N(CH₃)₂ or —O—CH₂—CH₂—N⁺H(CH₃)₂ An⁻; An⁻ is a anion of a monovalent organic or inorganic acid; Me is a monovalent metal atom or the ammonium ion.
 12. A polymerizable composition according to claim 9 wherein the radical polymerization initiator is a azo compound, a peroxide, a perester or a hydroperoxide.
 13. A process for preparing an oligomer, a cooligomer, a polymer or a copolymer (block, random or graft) by free radical polymerization of at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer or oligomer, which comprises (co)polymerizing the monomer or monomers/oligomers in the presence of a) a free radical initiator; and b) a compound of formula (I), (II) or (III) according to claim
 1. 14. A process according to claim 13 wherein polymerization is carried out by applying heat or electromagnetic radiation from microwaves to γ-radiation.
 15. A process according to claim 13 wherein the polymerization is carried out by heating and takes place at a temperature between 0° C. and 160° C.
 16. A process according to claim 13 wherein the amount of component b) is from 1% to 100% by weight, based on the weight of the sum of all ethylenically unsaturated compounds.
 17. A polymeric or oligomeric macroinitiator obtainable by a process according to claim
 13. 18. A process for preparing a comb, star, tapered or branched polymer or copolymer by controlled free radical polymerization (CFRP), which comprises polymerizing at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer in the presence of the polymeric macroinitiator obtainable in a process according to claim
 13. 19. A process according to claim 18 wherein the polymerization is carried out by heating and takes place at a temperature between 80° C. and 160° C. 